Ready, Set, Honeymoon! Get Organized Before You Get Away!

You think that when the wedding is over, your planning days are too? Well, think again. If you want to have a stress-free, enjoyable honeymoon, take a look at my suggested planning timeline! Au revoir!

6 or More Months Before:

Choose your destination. Talk with your fiancé about what type of honeymoon you would like. Do you envision yourself lying on the beach in a tropical paradise or hiking to the top of Machu Picchu? The most important thing is that you both agree on where you’d like to go. Set a budget. Whether you or someone else is footing the bill, find out how much money you have to work with on your trip. This will help with planning and setting realistic expectations for your adventure. Research the area. If you are traveling internationally, find out as much as you can about the culture, the people and language. Sign up for language classes, make an appointment for vaccinations if needed, and research attractions in this part of the world. If you’ll be vacationing in the US, find out about the general area and begin gathering ideas for what to do while you are there.

3 to 6 Months Before:

Get your travel documents together. If needed, apply or renew your passport for international travel. If you are changing your name, wait until after the honeymoon to change the name on your passport. This way, all of your information will match. Apply for a travel visa if necessary. Check expiration dates on your credit cards. Make your reservations. Book flights,hotel accommodations, and rental car or other modes of transportation. Also, reserve your spot for any tours, excursions, or special outings you’ll be attending. See Your Doctor. If traveling internationally, find out which vaccines you’ll need and get them. Also, renew any prescriptions you’ll need on your trip.

2 Months Before:

Find a Caretaker. Make arrangements for your children, pets, plants and/or home. If you are leaving all of the above, ask a trusted friend or family member to stay at your house while your gone to keep things running smoothly. Make a packing list. Don’t forget any special clothing or gear you’ll need for the destination you’ve chosen. Also, remember to check the current airline regulations for carry-on liquids, etc. Re-route your registry.Arrange for your wedding gifts to be delivered to a friend or family member’s house while your gone.

1 Month Before:

Confirm your reservations. Call your hotel, rental car company and any other place where you have a reservation to make sure they still have you in their system. Shop for clothing and/or gear. Buy what you need for your trip ahead of time so you’ll feel prepared. Also, this will give you time try out your new duds before you actually put them to use. For example, if you are hiking to the top of Machu Picchu, you’ll want to try out your new hiking boots before you hit the trail.

2 weeks before:

Purchase traveler’s checks. Keep the numbers separate from your checks in case they are lost or stolen. Exchange your money. If traveling internationally, exchange enough money to buy a meal and get you to the hotel. You can exchange the rest when you get settled. Begin packing. Pack everything you don’t need in the meantime. Keep it simple. Pick up your prescriptions. Make sure you have enough medication to last throughout your entire trip. You may consider packing extra just in case. This goes for contacts and over-the-counter meds as well.

1 week before:

Hold your mail. Contact the post office and have them hold your mail. Photocopy important documents. Make two copies of all travel documents and itineraries. Keep one in a safe place and give one to a family member or friend. Also, make a list of all valuable items you are taking with you in case something is stolen. Arrange for transportation to and from airport. Call a limo service, taxi, or a friend.